The guttering is not a part of the home we often think about until something goes wrong.

When gutters and downpipes become clogged or leaky, their functionality is compromised, resulting in water damage to walls and foundations.

But because the gutters are hard to reach, maintenance is often neglected even though it is easy to keep them in good working order.

Minor problems like small holes are easily repaired with a squirt of silicone, while installing gutter guards prevents a build-up of leaf litter.

But if the damage is extensive and guttering is corroded or coming away from the wall, it’s better to replace the damaged sections or install a whole new system.

Begin by removing the old gutter and brackets, then repair and repaint the fascia before securing the new guttering.

Step 6. Cut the end mitres

Step 6. Cut the end mitres
Handyman Magazine

Cut the end mitres with tinsnips, marking the gutter to length with internal or external mitres.

Use a hacksaw to cut the bead then smooth the edge with a file.

Secure with silicone and corner mitre brackets.

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Step 7. Hang the gutter

Step 7. Hang the gutter
Handyman Magazine

Hang the gutter on the brackets, pushing it onto the support lips.

Use pliers to fold the bracket strap over the gutter.

Midway between the brackets, secure the back of the gutter to the fascia using 40mm gutter twist nails.

Step 8. Join the overlaps

Step 8. Join the overlaps
Handyman Magazine

Join the overlaps by positioning the high side of the gutter joint into the low side with a 100mm overlap.

Open the outside bead with pliers and secure the overlap with rivets, sealing with silicone between the layers.

The guttering is not a part of the home we often think about until something goes wrong.

When gutters and downpipes become clogged or leaky, their functionality is compromised, resulting in water damage to walls and foundations.

But because the gutters are hard to reach, maintenance is often neglected even though it is easy to keep them in good working order.

Minor problems like small holes are easily repaired with a squirt of silicone, while installing gutter guards prevents a build-up of leaf litter.

But if the damage is extensive and guttering is corroded or coming away from the wall, it’s better to replace the damaged sections or install a whole new system.

Begin by removing the old gutter and brackets, then repair and repaint the fascia before securing the new guttering.

Step 9. Connect the downpipes

Step 9. Connect the downpipes
Handyman Magazine

Connect the downpipes by adjusting the gutter offset for a neat fit between spout and wall then securing the downpipe to the spout with rivets.

Cut the downpipe to length, securing it to the wall using gutter brackets.